Ulysse Nardin is a pioneering Swiss watchmaker with deep roots in marine chronometry and a reputation for fearless innovation. Founded in 1846 in Le Locle, Switzerland, by its namesake Ulysse Nardin, the brand quickly gained global recognition for its highly accurate marine chronometers — instruments essential for naval navigation and prized by over 50 navies worldwide.
Today, Ulysse Nardin continues to embrace its maritime heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary horology. Under the umbrella of the Kering Group (and now part of Sowind), the brand has built a reputation for both mechanical creativity and technical firsts. Ulysse Nardin was among the earliest to experiment with silicon components in watchmaking, pioneering the use of this high-tech material in escapements and balance springs to improve precision and longevity.
The brand’s collections reflect this fusion of tradition and progress. The Marine and Diver lines pay tribute to the brand’s seafaring legacy, combining nautical design cues with chronometer-grade performance. The Freak collection — first introduced in 2001 — remains one of the most radical horological concepts ever created, featuring a movement that rotates to tell the time, with no traditional hands, crown, or dial. This watch not only redefined modern watchmaking aesthetics but also introduced new movement architecture and materials.
Other standout ranges include the Executive series, which blends modern complications with bold design, and the Blast collection, which brings angular, futuristic architecture to skeletonized tourbillons and chronographs.
Ulysse Nardin appeals to collectors who value independent thinking, avant-garde design, and technical substance. From creating naval instruments to boundary-pushing wristwatches, the brand continues to chart its own course through the watch world — combining Swiss craftsmanship with a daring spirit of exploration.